Senior Data Engineer

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council’s central Data Office brings together data architecture, engineering, analytics and spatial data expertise. We work across the organisation to improve how data supports effective public services, operational delivery and better outcomes for residents.

About the Role

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will take a hands-on role in designing and delivering scalable data pipelines, integrations, lakehouses, data warehouses and data models. The role requires strong SQL, Python and ETL/ELT experience, with a particular focus on designing and developing solutions in Microsoft Fabric.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering scalable, reliable and reusable data engineering solutions.
• Building ETL/ELT pipelines and integrations using ETL tools, Microsoft Fabric, SQL, Python and other appropriate technologies.
• Designing and configuring Microsoft Fabric pipelines, lakehouses, data warehouses and data models.
• Supporting the migration of on-premises data workloads to Microsoft Fabric.
• Implementing data quality controls, testing, monitoring and technical documentation.
• Applying data architecture standards and engineering best practices.
• Translating complex business requirements into practical, maintainable data solutions.
• Creating and maintaining data catalogue, metadata management and data lineage.
• Working collaboratively with technical teams, analysts and business stakeholders.

About you

• Significant experience of developing data integration, migration and data warehousing solutions using one or more ETL platforms, such as Talend, Microsoft Fabric, FME or SSIS.
• In-depth working knowledge of SQL, with the ability to write and optimise queries and stored procedures.
• Experience building robust data pipelines using Python, PySpark or other relevant programming languages.
• Solid hands-on experience of designing and developing Microsoft Fabric solutions across pipelines, lakehouses, warehouses and data layers.
• Strong data modelling skills, with experience designing scalable and maintainable models for data integration, warehousing, analytics and reporting.
• Strong data discovery skills, including locating, understanding and analysing source data.
• Experience of implementing testing and data quality controls to identify, prevent and resolve data anomalies.
• Experience of creating and maintaining data catalogues, technical metadata and data lineage using Microsoft Purview or another metadata management platform would be advantageous.

We recommend reviewing the attached job description.

Rewards and benefits

At OCC, you'll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do, but also about how we do it. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.

• Hybrid working – Benefit from a flexible mix of home and office working, with typically around one day a week in the office for collaboration.
• Culture of flexible working - Flexibility is important to deliver the service and to suit individual lifestyles. We encourage discussion at interview as we acknowledge there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• Technology to support agile working – with unlimited access to Copilot for smarter productivity
• Employee Assistance Programme with health and wellbeing support
• Generous annual leave - up to 30 days plus bank holidays, and an option to 'buy' additional time off
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme - employer contributions up to 19.9%
• Discounts - local and national offers for shopping and travel

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Ready to apply?

• If you are interested in this role, please submit your application by 9th November 2026.
• When applying, please upload a current CV and a personal statement. Please include a personal statement of no more than 750 words, demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the criteria set out in the About You section.
• Please clearly explain your individual contribution to the work described. Applications submitted without a personal statement will not progress to shortlisting.
• Shortlisting will take place week commencing 16th November 2026
• Interviews are expected to take place in person at our Oxford office during the first week of December 2026. Further details will be confirmed, but please keep this period available where possible.
• For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Gowri Nagarajan, Data Architecture and Engineering Lead on Gowri.Nagarajan@Oxfordshire.gov.uk.
• Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: Gowri.Nagarajan@Oxfordshire.gov.uk